The Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich said the 51-year-old technical employee smuggled the 60cm x 120cm painting into the building and installed it on an empty wall.

Police are investigating property damage after the man drilled two holes in the wall to hang the artwork, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports.

The man describes himself as a freelance artist and reportedly told police that he hoped his guerilla installation would lead to a career breakthrough.

The museum has not disclosed what the artwork depicted.